National Strategy, Planning

The National Strategy, Planning and Operations Manager is responsible for shaping and executing the national marketing strategy for Defence Force Recruiting (DFR), supporting the recruitment of personnel for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Based in Canberra, Sydney, or Melbourne, the manager leads a team focused on strategic planning, operations, market insights, and performance measurement.

Details about the Client

ADF Careers is the largest workforce outsourcing solution in the southern hemisphere with over 80,000 applications received on average each year.

ADF Careers is on a mission to recruit the right people, in the right numbers, at the right time to support the Australian Defence Force to build, sustain and maximise Defence capability.

Our people are our greatest asset. We recognise and respect our people's need to work in ways that support their careers, families, and lifestyle. That's why we offer flexible working arrangements, learning pathways, additional leave entitlements and extensive corporate discounts across a variety of product and services. We want our people to be financially rewarded; to feel good and to go beyond what they thought possible at work.

Be you, and we'll be better together.

To find out more about our great employee benefits and what it's like to be part of the team, reach out to our friendly talent acquisition team.

Job Description

In this role, you will lead the national marketing strategy, planning, and operations to support DFR. You'll provide strategic direction aligned to the Head of Marketing, research input, and operational support across the marketing function. Your work will ensure effective planning, governance, insights, and performance measurement, enabling successful delivery of national marketing initiatives. You'll act as a key interface between business leaders, stakeholders, and external agencies, while managing a team focused on operations and market insights to drive efficiency and impact.

The role involves high-level stakeholder engagement, governance, and coordination with external agencies and government stakeholders. It requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in marketing within a government context, with a focus on delivering operational excellence and aligning efforts with Defence priorities.

You will:

• Lead, coach, and develop the Strategy, Planning, and Operations team to deliver operational excellence and actionable insights.
• Develop and implement the national marketing strategy and annual business plans aligned with organisational priorities.
• Oversee research, analysis, and market scanning to inform strategy, campaigns, and innovation opportunities.
• Facilitate planning cycles aligned with budget, contractual commitments, resources, and DFR priorities.
• Design and maintain the marketing metrics framework to ensure effective reporting and compliance.
• Own and improve processes, workflows, and systems to drive efficiency across the function.
• Prioritise initiatives and projects to align with DFR priorities and agency partner goals.
• Manage and coordinate Commonwealth and other requests for information, including ministerial responses.
• Develop presentations, briefs, and submissions for the Head of Marketing and Executive Leadership.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the marketing function, ensuring cohesion, workflow efficiency, and resource allocation.
• Monitor and report on performance metrics, KPIs, and ROI of marketing activities.
• Manage contract reporting requirements with internal and external partners.
• Lead issues management across the marketing function, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and national strategic priorities to inform marketing representation.
• Perform other duties consistent with the classification level as directed.

Candidate's Profile

If you have worked in a similar position or just looking for your next opportunity that will make an impact, we want to speak with you.

Your background will demonstrate:

• 12+ years' experience in marketing, communication or a business-related field.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and the ability to lead across the marketing function at a national level.
• Strong leadership skills, with a proven ability to coach teams and foster a high-performance culture.
• Deep understanding of advertising, marketing, communications, and government relations.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication, including experience preparing ministerial briefings and executive presentations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, especially with senior leaders and external partners.
• Proven ability in issues management, risk mitigation, and navigating contractual and operational governance.
• Highly organised, with strong planning and administrative capabilities to support cross-functional teams.
• A solutions-focused mindset, resilient under pressure, and adaptable in fast-paced, agile environments.
• Awareness of industry trends and national strategic priorities, with the ability to translate insights into action.

To apply for this position, you must be an Australian citizen and have the ability to maintain an Australian AGSVA security clearance.

How to apply

If eligible, please submit your resume; applications are open to all qualified Australian citizens regardless of their background, identity, experiences and beliefs.

If you need assistance during our recruitment process, please email our Victoria Emms at for a confidential conversation.

To apply for this position, please submit your application online through our designated platform. The deadline for applications is 11:30 PM (AEST) on Friday 28th November. It's important to note that applications will be reviewed and processed as they are received.